Five arrested on drug charges in Orangeburg

ORANGEBURG, S.C. (WCIV) -- Five people were arrested on drug charges over the weekend after a year-long investigation, said officials with the Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office.

Sheriff Leroy Ravenell said his office received numerous complaints about drug activity at a home on Russell Street.

Ravenell said the investigation into the complaints lasted on year.

Deputies went to the home of Taquan Bookhard, 27, and found him in his car, according to a release.

Jessica Spigner, 24, Jamel Guinyard, 23, Joan Barnett, 69, and Eric Bradley Jr., 21, were found in the home and arrested.

According to the release, Spigner and Barnett also live in the Russell Street home.

Investigators seized two pounds of marijuana, 8 grams of crack cocaine, drug paraphernalia and loaded 9 mm Smith and Wesson handgun, according to the release.

All five were charged with manufacturing and possessing other sub. in Sch. I, II, III or flunitrazepam or analogue, and distributing, selling, manufacturing or possessing with intent to distribute a controlled substance near a school.

Ravenell said the home was within a half-mile radius of Robert E. Howard Middle School on Belleville Road.

Bookhard was also charged with manufacturing and distributing cocaine base and faces an additional charge of distributing, selling, manufacturing or possessing with intent to distribute a controlled substance near a school.